A businessman is trying to move a footpath which has been a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

Jack King, owner of Kings Park, on Canvey, met with representatives from Essex County Council to discuss the possibility of moving a public path in an effort to stop youths causing damage to homes on his land.

Yobs have caused regular problems by using the footpath, running on top of the sea wall, as a vantage point for hurling debris at the new mobile homes recently added to the park.

Mr King's son, Jeff King, allayed fears the footpath would be closed if the scheme went ahead.

He said: "The footpath runs around all over the place and the meeting was about redirecting and moving it no more than two or three metres.

"It is dangerous where it is at the moment, but there is no question of the footpath being closed off."

Essex County Council confirmed initial discussions had taken place about moving the path.

A spokesperson said: "Essex County Council awaits a possible application for a public path diversion order."

However, some believe moving the footpath would cause more problems than it solves and would restrict access to people who use the area for walking and recreation.

Green campaigner Irene Willis, who has also been one of the driving forces behind a town council for the island, said: "This wall and path dates back many years.

"It was first used as a sheep walk, which was used to get to and from the Wick between the tides.

"I hope the future of the path is still being debated when the town council is in place. so the people of Canvey can decide its future."